Restaurant Blog - Chowbaby.com

by Lottie Tagupa

TODAI
1910 Ala Moana Blvd.
Honolulu , HI 96815

This wildly popular restaurant first appeared on the Honolulu dining scene in 2001 and word of mouth momentum has pushed this eatery to be one of the most popular sushi places on the island. Busy and lively this restaurant is large by Waikiki standards and features a wonderful variety of sushi. The selection seems endless and everything is always fresh, colorful and flavorful. Also exciting is the huge variety of buffet selections at adjacent counters that include fresh fish, tempura and a very smart dessert bar of crepes, cheesecakes and more. No reservations are accepted here so arrive early for dinner and be prepared to wait for a table especially on holidays and weekends.

By Lottie Tagupa 

 

LA MER
2199 Kalia Road
Honolulu , HI 96815

Upscale and award winning, there is hardly a finer or more formal restaurant in Honolulu to celebrate a special occasion or to pop the question. Oceanfront location, views, fabulous menu and discreet service makes the evening memorable. The menu is lavish and opulent with Mediterranean flavors and the freshest island ingredients. Menu selections include Roasted Chilean Sea Bass on Alsatian Choucroute, Sautéed Veal Chop with Mushrooms and Madeira Sauce, Bouquet of Asparagus and Brocoletti au Gratin with Opakapaka Sausage and Parsley Potatoes, accompanied by a Juniper Berry Mustard Sauce. Best seating is near the ocean by the windows and the best time for dinner is sunset. Long-sleeved collared shirt or jacket required.

by Lottie Tagupa
ROY’S - KO OLINA
92-1220 Aliinui Drive
Kapolei , HI 96707

The newest of Roy Yamaguchi’s multitude of restaurants, Roy ’s Ko’Olina continues the tradition of exciting upscale eateries across the nation. This restaurant is located in the resort area of Ko’Olina on the 18th hole of the Ko’Olina Golf Club. The décor has an open air contemporary flair that takes advantage of the wonderful golf course and resort views. The style is Hawaii Regional Cuisine and the flavors are fresh, innovative and bold. Fresh fish and island ingredients are the basis of a flavor menu. Popular choices include Roy ’s Original Hawaiian Blackened Island Ahi Spicy Soy Mustard Butter or Roy ’s Classic Roasted Macadamia Nut Mahi Mahi Lobster Butter Sauce. Reservations recommended.

By Lottie Tapagu

MICHEL’S RESTAURANT
2895 Kalakaua Ave
Honolulu , HI 9681
808-923-6552

Located on the beach with an unforgettable sunset and Waikiki view, the setting is elegant and very formal French in décor, service and flavor. The ambiance is very romantic and dinner reservations are best made to align with the sunset when sky turns from blue to purple to flame orange and disappears beyond the Waianae Mountains are replaced with a tropical starlit night. That’s when the flame torches are lit and the live music begins to waft softly in the background. The menu is mostly traditional French with a few entrees that feature fresh island fish prepared in popular island fashion. Request seating near the windows for the best views.

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by Lottie Tagupa

3660 ON THE RISE
3660 Waialae Avenue
Honolulu , HI 96816
Telephone: (808) 737-1177

Located in Kaimuki where Waialae Avenue meets Wilhemina Rise, Chef Russell Siu has put together a contemporary fusion of flavors and fresh local ingredients to produce a menu that is enjoyable and notable. The restaurant is far enough from the tourist haunts of Waikiki to attract a crowd of loyal locals and the occasional enlightened tourist looking to get that fix of the finer island flavors that only 3660’s magic can quell. His signature dishes include Ahi Katsu (breaded, deep fried tuna) Roast Rack of Macadamia Nut Crusted Lamb and the Pan Seared Hamachi. Don’t expect sunsets or tiki torches or resort prices here, but expect that the menu will make your taste buds do the hula in way you never thought possible. Reservations recommended.

by Lottie Tagupa

CHAI’S ISLAND BISTRO
1 Aloha Tower Marketplace
Honolulu , HI 96813
Telephone: (808) 585-0011

Chef Chai Chaowasaree has created a restaurant where dinner and entertainment are part and parcel of a truly wonderful experience. The menu is a fabulous assortment of predominately Asian flavors that feature fresh fish, seafood and organically grown vegetables. Menu favorites include the Kataifi & Macadamia Nut Encrusted Jumbo Black Tiger Prawn Served with a bouquet of Waimanalo Baby Greens, Fresh Pineapple & Pineapple Vinaigrette, the Pacific-Rim Cioppino with Scallops, Fresh Local Fish, Fresh Kauai Prawns, New Zealand Mussel in Coconut Broth or the Grilled Fresh Mahi Mahi with Thai Red Curry Sauce Asian Stir Fried Vegetables & Wakana Soba. The experience also includes nightly entertainment by Hawaii ’s best entertainers. It’s not to be missed.